Warehouse ‘set to be new training centre’

A RUNCORN warehouse could be turned into a training facility under plans filed to Halton Borough Council.

The Compliance & Skills Academy has applied for a change of use permission at the 14,000sq ft industrial unit on Sarus Court, Manor Park.

Documents lodged by the applicant said the facility would provide training for sectors including retail, construction and utilities, namely relating to the installation of energy smart meters under the Government’s roll-out.

The plans said the building is 20 years old and has a car park.

It has been empty for four years but has not suffered much damage from being vacant.

The proposed works include expanding the gents’ toilets and the construction of mock houses for training in.

About 4,090sq ft will remain for programmes such as forklift or reach- truck training.

The plans said the first floor will include the upper levels of the mock houses as well as five training rooms, an extended kitchen and offices.

Ladies’ and mens’ toilets will also be installed on the first floor.

Externally the car park with have the layout markings repainted, the addition of disabled bays, secure cycle storage, company and direction signage, and security lighting and CCTV.

Public consultation open until May 25.

The council is aiming to decide the matter by June 21.

Energy regulator Ofgem said the Government wants to roll out 53m smart electricity and gas meters, which will provide real time information about how much energy is being used, to all homes and businesses in Great Britain by the end of 2020.

The first phase was completed in 2011. is